FFP vs SFP: which focal plane should you buy?
Quick answer: in a first focal plane (FFP) scope the reticle grows and shrinks with the image as you zoom, so its holdover and ranging marks stay accurate at every magnification. In a second focal plane (SFP) scope the reticle stays the same visual size at all zooms, so its marks are only accurate at one magnification (usually the highest). Choose FFP for long-range and precision shooting where you hold and dial at changing distances; choose SFP for hunting and fixed-distance shooting, where it is simpler, cheaper and always easy to see.
What "focal plane" actually means
Inside a variable scope, the reticle is placed at one of two spots relative to the lenses that do the zooming (the erector system). Put it in front of them and it is in the first focal plane; put it behind them and it is in the second. That single design choice decides whether the reticle appears to change size as you turn the magnification ring, and that in turn decides whether your holdover marks can be trusted at any zoom.
First focal plane (FFP)
In an FFP scope the reticle sits in front of the magnification lenses, so it scales up and down with the target image. The practical payoff is huge for precision work: because the reticle and the image zoom together, the spacing between the hash marks (the "subtensions" you use for holdovers, wind and ranging) stays mathematically correct at every magnification. You can range a target at 12x, hold wind at 20x, and the marks mean the same thing.
- Pros: holdovers and ranging are accurate at any zoom; ideal for dialing and holding at long range; the standard for PRS and NRL competition.
- Cons: the reticle can look very fine and hard to see at the lowest magnification and thick at the highest; usually costs more to build.
Second focal plane (SFP)
In an SFP scope the reticle sits behind the magnification lenses, so it stays the same visual size no matter how far you zoom. That makes it clean and easy to see at every power, and it keeps the scope simpler and cheaper. The trade-off: the holdover marks are only calibrated for one magnification, almost always the maximum. Use them at any other zoom and the distances they represent are off, so you either spin to the calibrated power first or dial your elevation turret instead.
- Pros: reticle is always crisp and easy to see; simpler and usually cheaper; perfect for sight-in-and-shoot hunting.
- Cons: holdover and ranging marks are only true at one magnification; less flexible for dialing at varying distances.
FFP vs SFP at a glance
| First focal plane (FFP) | Second focal plane (SFP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Reticle size as you zoom | Grows and shrinks with the image | Stays the same visual size |
| Holdovers accurate at | Every magnification | One magnification (usually max) |
| Reticle at low power | Can look very fine / hard to see | Always clearly visible |
| Reticle at max power | Bold and easy to read | Same as always |
| Best for | Long range, PRS, dialing and holding | Hunting, fixed distance, general use |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
| Our examples | Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50, Strike Eagle 5-25x56 | Crossfire II 3-9x40, VX-Freedom 3-9x40 |
Which should you choose?
- Choose FFP if you shoot long range, dial or hold at changing distances, or compete in PRS/NRL. See our FFP picks, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 (value) and Strike Eagle 5-25x56 (step-up), or the full Diamondback Tactical vs Strike Eagle comparison.
- Choose SFP if you hunt or shoot mostly at known or close distances and want a simple, affordable scope with an always-visible reticle. Our SFP hunting picks are the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 and Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40.
FAQ
Is FFP or SFP better?
Neither is universally better; they suit different shooting. First focal plane (FFP) is better when you hold over or dial at changing distances and magnifications, such as long-range and PRS shooting, because the reticle measurements stay accurate at any zoom. Second focal plane (SFP) is better for hunting and fixed-distance shooting: it is simpler, usually cheaper, and the reticle stays easy to see at every magnification.
Does an FFP scope cost more than SFP?
Usually yes. Putting the reticle in the first focal plane and etching it in glass adds manufacturing cost, so at a given quality level an FFP scope typically costs more than the SFP version. For example, our value FFP pick, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50, sells around $280, while the budget SFP Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is about $119.
Can you use holdover marks on an SFP scope?
Yes, but only at the magnification the reticle was calibrated for, which is almost always the maximum zoom. At other magnifications the SFP holdover marks no longer match true distances, so you either zoom to the calibrated power first or dial the turrets instead.
Which focal plane is better for hunting?
For most hunting, second focal plane (SFP) is the better fit. The reticle stays the same crisp size at every magnification, so it is always easy to see, the scope is simpler and lighter on the wallet, and typical hunting shots do not require precise holdovers at varying zoom. Both of our 3-9x40 hunting picks, the Crossfire II and Leupold VX-Freedom, are SFP.
What is the difference between first focal plane and second focal plane?
In a first focal plane (FFP) scope the reticle grows and shrinks with the image as you zoom, so its hash marks measure true distances at every magnification. In a second focal plane (SFP) scope the reticle stays one visual size no matter the zoom, so it is always easy to see but its holdover marks are only accurate at one magnification. FFP suits dialing and holding at long range; SFP suits simple, fixed-distance hunting.
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